asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of incidents of warbles affecting livestock which have occurred in this country over the past year; the counties in which this has happened; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The number of cattle infested with warbles in 1983 was 1,038. The counties affected were Cavan, Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Westmeath and Wexford.

The number of cattle affected varied from one in County Sligo to 337 in County Westmeath.

Will the Minister agree that warbles have a detrimental effect on the quality of beef in the affected animal and also that it destroys the hide of the animal? Further, will he agree that the fact that warbles has occurred again is very serious for our livestock industry? On the basis of the information he has given us, will he consider putting into operation in the affected counties a special departmental scheme to ensure that the disease does not spread?

The situation has improved considerably in recent years. The year 1981 was the last year in which there were compulsory measures for the eradication of warble fly. The incidence of the disease decreased from 5.81 per cent in 1978 to 0.17 per cent in 1983. Last year it was somewhat higher than in 1982 when the figure was 0.07 per cent but the exceptionally long, warm summer last year was regarded as the reason for the increase. Nevertheless, we shall keep a very watchful eye on the situation and if there is an increase in the incidence of the disease we will bring back the compulsory measures.

I appreciate that the Minister has power to bring in compulsory measures but this power is not being used at the moment. It is up to every farmer to treat his own cattle for warbles if he wishes to do so. Will the Minister consider having a special scheme to ensure the termination of the disease, particularly in the counties where it has been rather widespread?

In recent years progress has been very encouraging and there is a low incidence of the disease. Herd owners are compelled to notify my Department of an infestation. If we see a significant increase in the disease and if the eradication scheme is not completely successful we will concentrate on the troublesome areas.

The Minister has agreed that the scheme has been a success and that the incidence of disease is low. However, will the Minister not agree that in this case "a stitch in time saves nine" and that if his Department were more strict with offenders at this stage we could eradicate the disease entirely? Does he not agree that this should be done immediately?

As I said, if I notice that the law is not being complied with — and I pointed out that people are obliged to notify the Department of any infestation — I will take tough action.